End of May and only new growth at bottom of ES Hydrangeas?
tulipsmiles
9 years ago
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alisande
9 years agoluis_pr
9 years agoRelated Discussions
Question Regarding My ES and Blushing Bride Hydrangeas
Comments (1)In your zone, unless you winter protected the hydrangeas, the above ground canes likely died over the winter. If they were dead, you did the right thing. Hydrangeas bloom primarily on old growth, but they can produce a few blooms on new growth sometimes. Supposedly Endless Summer is better than most at blooming on new growth. I haven't noticed it myself, but it's supposedly true. You may get some blooms this year, but if you winter protected the canes, you would get a lot more. As far as the health of the shrub is concerned, cutting back canes won't hurt it....See MoreOverwintering Mophead Hydrangeas....ES again
Comments (15)Brendave - my personal opinion is don't even bother overwintering. What is the point? E.S. blooms on new wood. I have mentioned in other posts that I did an experiment last season - winter protected some E.S., did not winter protect others. The verdict? The *unprotected* E.S did better in terms of bush growth than the winter protected ones. They took a bit longer to get up and running, they died to the ground, but once they started growing - look out! In contrast, the winter protected ones did not die to the ground, and the leaf growth that came out got nipped by cold weather, and that set the plants back. They still bloomed, and I'd peg blooming about the same number of blooms, give or take a few. So why bother winter protecting when you have a plant that *does* produce plenty of new blooms on new wood? My opinion is - and I'm sorry if I ruffle some feathers here, but I've said it in other posts and it bears repeating - some folks are disappointed in their Endless Summer because they are expecting instant results. Bushes - any bush - take time to get established and reach full size and full blooming potential. BE PATIENT!!! You all will be rewarded when you Endless Summers get established. Keep in mind the rule of thumb for bush establishment is three years. Some may establish sooner, of course, perhaps after two full seasons in teh ground. Don't expect jaw-dropping displays before three full seasons in the ground. And, hey, if you do get the displays that everyone oooohs and aahhhs over before then, well, then - enjoy! :)...See MoreDisbud first year hydrangeas to encourage growth?
Comments (5)Hi! If you wish to thicken your plant maybe you could just pinch the tips out on the branches that don't have an apparent bud. Unless you've got a bud on everyone of them! I don't think I'd have the heart to prune immature flowers off as in time the plants will thicken on their own anyway. Now, later in the season say a month or so from now maybe you could pick some flowers and bring them in the house to enjoy for a few weeks and the stems that you pick, will sent up 2 shoots where they were cut if you cut just above a pair of leaves. There will still be plenty of growing season left for new growth and budset. Good Luck, Donna...See MoreES...slow growth
Comments (6)If you have sandy and fast draining soil, it is probably low in nutrients. Newly planted shrubs will also require some time, usually a couple of years, to establish a deep root system to ensure enough moisture is available without frequent watering. I maintain a garden south of you, on SSI and it is often frustrating to observe the extremely slow growth rate of new plantings. You may want to establish a fertilization schedule for your ES. You can use organic, manures, compost, etc. or chemical types, such as a timed release, balanced fertilizer(Nursery Special, Osmocote & others). It is too late in the season to apply fertilizer, even in Zone 8, but an application can be made in early spring, when the leaf buds begin to open. If you use the chemical type, ¼cup(4 Tbsp) is sufficient for a small plant, sprinkled around/underneath it, but not near the trunk! A second application can be made in late July/early August. Water in well after applying. As the plant increases in size, additional amounts of fertilizer will be required, up to 2-3 cups for a mature plant. Do not overfertilize, best to error on side of underfertilization. Sufficient moisture is important to all newly installed plants. One inch of rainfall or applied water per week is normal requirement, but fast draining soil and high temperatures may require more frequent applications of water. Soaker hoses are best as you avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote the growth of Powdery Mildew. 5½ gal. of water applied to a 3²ft. area = 1" of rainfall, so it doesn't require a lot of water to keep a plant happy. as long as the moisture reaches the roots. Happy gardening! Rb...See MoreLalala (zone 6b)
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